You may be aware that the Government has announced its intention for the work-based learning divisions of Te Pūkenga, which includes ServiceIQ, to temporarily transition to new Industry Skills Boards, upon their establishment on 1 January 2026.
Within two years, work-based learning is required to transition out into a new format – and industry and employer voice is a key factor in determining how this will look.
What’s Changing by 2026?
- Te Pūkenga and workforce development councils (WDCs) will be disestablished: The mega-polytechnic structure will be disestablished. From 1 January 2026, a new system will take effect.
- Industry Skills Boards (ISBs): These will be set up from 1 January 2026 and will be statutory standard setting bodies. They will be responsible for developing qualifications, endorsing programmes and moderating assessments over key industry sectors. They will also have a workforce analysis function for their sectors and provide investment advice to the Tertiary Education Commission.
- ServiceIQ’s current structure as part of Te Pūkenga’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) division will transfer under ISBs for up to two years beginning 1 January 2026.
It is important to note that ServiceIQ will be continuing to deliver training and enrolling new trainees and apprentices in 2026. (Please continue to work with your ServiceIQ sector advisor to sign up new trainees and apprentices.)
While there is a 2-year transitional period, it is important that industry and employers are starting to think about what their future of work-based learning needs are and how this might best be delivered.
Key options include:
- Industry collaborates to establish and own a new Private Training Establishment (PTE) to deliver the ServiceIQ work-based learning programmes.
- An existing Private Training Establishment acquires ServiceIQ and either fully absorbs or retains the ServiceIQ identity and delivery.
- An Institute of Technology or Polytechnic (ITP) acquires ServiceIQ which operates as a business division of the ITP.
The Restaurant Association has been engaging with ServiceIQ on the key options and ServiceIQ has also been holding engagement sessions to discuss these options at a high level and gain insight on a preferred direction of travel. If you would like to talk with ServiceIQ about these options and your views on the future direction of ServiceIQ, please contact Clare Savage at clare.savage@serviceIQ.org.nz.